We continue our gradual release of the Tigers’ Team of the 21st Century so far by today revealing the tall forward pocket in the line-up – Brad Ottens.

Brad Ottens

On-field position: Ruckman/forward

Games in the 2000s (2000-04): 95

Goals: 129

Top 10 finishes in the Jack Dyer Medal: Four – 8th in 2000, 5th in 2001, 5th in 2002, 8th in 2004

HIGHLIGHTS Watch the best of Team of the 21st Century forward pocket, Brad Ottens

Richmond AFL career averages

Kicks: 6.6

Handballs: 5.4

Disposals: 12.0

Marks: 5.0

Contested marks: 2.0

Marks inside-50: 1.5

Goals: 1.1

Clearances: 2.5

Inside-50s: 1.9

Contested possessions: 8.4

Uncontested possessions: 5.0

Hit-outs: 15.5

Tackles: 1.4

One-percenters: 1.6

Comment: The No. 2 pick overall in the 1997 AFL national draft was predominantly used by the Tigers to provide a strong marking target up forward, rather than as an outright ruckman, which he subsequently became at Geelong. Kicked an AFL career-high 46 goals in the 2001 season and gained All-Australian selection that year. Was very mobile for his size, excellent overhead, and a reliable shot for goal.  

Team of the 21st Century so far:

B: Vlastuin, Gaspar, Grimes
HB: Newman, Rance, Houli
C: Bowden, Prestia, Campbell
HF: Deledio, Richardson, Lambert
F: Edwards, Riewoldt, Ottens